“Today we celebrate the date on which from an idea we have a new institution with a clear vision that truly represents a European university. A place where not only our students gain knowledge, but also a space where they can develop and realize their ideas, a place where they can become truly successful young people and be the pride of the entire nation. I am pleased that we have successfully completed this nineteenth year of its establishment, we had a truly fruitful week in which we had guests from all eight European universities from the European Ace2EU alliance. The guests were the rectors of all institutions, and the data exchange agreements were signed, which is the basis for the formation of a future legal entity. Additionally, meetings of the institutional heads of this project from all nine universities were held. In total, there were over 90 guests from all over Europe – almost from all nations – students and professors who are working hard to make this University Alliance a real space where our students and teachers will be able to work side by side with colleagues from European universities and be part of the European university space,” he said. for the media the rector of the UGD, prof. dr. Dejan Mirakovski.
Over 30,000 students have graduated from the UGD in these 19 years, currently about 8,000 are active in all three cycles. To a journalist’s question about the possibilities for building a facility for the Faculty of Medical Sciences and a student dormitory, prof. dr. Mirakovski replied:
“I hope that we will get those facilities. This is a process that is not led by the University, but by the Government and the Ministries of Health and Education, because it is a complex in which both the hospital and the facility of the Faculty of Medical Sciences are connected. We have already discussed and defined the requirements from the aspect of the educational process, and I believe that we will succeed in designing a facility that will be of world class.”
Regarding the study programs and the recognition of diplomas in the world, Mirakovski replied that the study programs are being renewed and adjusted continuously, it is a continuous process, and joint study programs are being worked on within the framework of the European Alliance of Universities. Regarding the recognition of diplomas, the rector once again reiterated that even now, UGD diplomas are recognized outside of Macedonia, but that they will gain a new value with the creation of a single European university and a single joint diploma within the nine member universities of the Alliance.
The Mayor of Stip, Ivan Jordanov, emphasized that 19 years of development of the University have created new value in Stip.
“As the University develops, so does the city of Stip. The city is different, from a local economic aspect, with the opening of the ‛Goce Delcev‛ University, and I am even more pleased that this nineteenth year of the University’s existence we can mark additional changes in a positive direction – membership in the European Alliance of Universities provides additional value, the opportunity for student exchange, all that we need in terms of knowledge to be transferred to our city, which will directly affect positive changes in the labor market and the opportunity for companies on the labor market to find qualified labor that will develop and move our city. I wish in the years to come, many students, a lot of knowledge transfer and the celebration of many more years of existence of the ‛Goce Delcev‛ University”, said Mayor Jordanov.
“19 years of existence of the UGD is not just a symbolic number, but shows the symbiosis between how professors work and how students live at this University,” said Mihajlo Miraschiev, student and president of the student organization SOMA.
“The university is much more than just education and some form or theory, because all of it represents a life experience for each of us. I can freely say that I am proud to be part of the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip, and at the same time as the president of SOMA we are proud to be under the auspices of our University and the work and support that has been mutual all these years shows and proves through all the things and deeds that we have done. For me, this anniversary is a story between the people who are here to inspire, that is, the professors, and the students who are here to enjoy their idea. At the same time, I would like to thank everyone who participates and actively advocates for us, the students,” said Miraschiev.
The student with the best performance and the highest average this year comes from the Faculty of Medical Sciences. Galena Arizankoska said that studying at the UGD was a period full of challenges, but also with many opportunities.
“I also participated in student organizations, where I learned how theory turns into action, but the UGD also offered me participation in scientific conferences, where we students learn how student work turns into part of the scientific dialogue. The recognition for the best student is a great honor for me,” said the best student at the UGD, Galena Arizankoska.
The Rector, Prof. Dr. Dejan Mirakovski, addressed the Ceremonial Academy. The best students and retired employees of the University were awarded recognition.
The former Rector, Academician Blazho Boev, also received a Recognition as a retired professor from the UGD. He addressed the rostrum and said:
“I think that in the past 25 centuries of civilization in these regions, nothing better could have happened than the opening of the “Goce Delcev” University 19 years ago. I think that this city should appreciate and respect it to the fullest. It is the best investment that has ever been made in this city for the future of the development of the city and the youth in this city. This is a University that I can freely say is built according to a pattern – with solid foundations, so that you do not worry about the future. I will just say one sentence that as rector I used all the time for the students. This is a university that was built for you and belongs to you, never forget that. And I want to leave a message for the young people. Here I am at 19 years old, I hope that you will invite me to the 50th anniversary of the UGD, because I intend to come.”
